Do Rules Seem Wise to You?

You have died with Christ, and He has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, "Don't handle! Don't taste! Don't touch!"? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person's evil desires. Colossians 2:20-23

We don’t “see” the spiritual powers. Remember what Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus concerning the unseen world. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12. We need to put on our spiritual armor…to fight the spiritual battle. We can’t seem to conquer evil on our own, but with God all things are possible.  Jesus looked at them (His disciples) intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God." Mark 10:27. God’s power sets us free. Free from spiritual powers and evil desires. How cool is that? To me that is the mark of ultimate love. God is telling us…don’t worry, I’ve got you covered on this one. We just have to do our part. Be strong. Put on God’s armor. Stay alert. Pray persistently. 

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of

God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:10-18.

God has told us what to do. Do His rules seem wise to you? We just have to do our part.

Prayer ~ Lord God, I continue to pray to You, although I can’t see You. I know You are near…and that it is You who fights the spiritual battles—my spiritual battles. Help me to follow Your rules and Your wisdom, not that of the world. You have set me free. Free to be Your child and show others Your love.

© 2016 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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